A defensive driver is a far safer driver. Most drivers on the roads of Silver Spring, MD, are courteous and careful. But unfortunately, some drivers aren't as good as they think they are, and others are downright aggressive, creating unnecessary risk for themselves and for you. But if you follow these five defensive driving tips, you're dramatically less likely to have an accident. Stay Focused on the Road No matter how experienced a driver you are, never assume you can safely take your attention away from the road. Accidents come out of nowhere and happen in an instant, often with overconfident drivers. Try to stay focused on the road at all times. Focus on your speed, road signs, road conditions, and the other vehicles in front, behind, and around you. more It's best to cut out possible distractions while driving. Don't be tempted to eat or drink. Don't talk on your phone and never remove your eyes from the road to glance at a screen. Expect Other Drivers in Silver Spring, MD To Make Mistakes When it comes to considering other drivers, it's better to be safe than sorry. Never assume a driver is going to allow you to merge or clear out of your way. Instead, watch them carefully and see what they're doing. While on the road, don't trust the skills of anyone except yourself. That way, you won't be taken by surprise when someone does something dangerous, and you should be able to respond quickly and safely. For example, always assume someone is going to do something foolish, like run a red light and T-bone you, unless you've confirmed the way is clear or seen the other driver clearly coming to a stop. Follow the Three-Second Rule Always keep a suitable distance between you and the car in front. If they suddenly stop, you need enough time to slam on the brakes and avoid a collision. The three-second rule means always leaving three seconds or more of distance between you and the vehicle ahead. During winter, when roads are slippery, you can extend this to eight or even ten seconds. Don't Drive Unnecessarily Fast When deciding how quickly to drive, always remember the parable of the tortoise and the hare: slow and steady wins the day. There's rarely a need to rush. And building a habit of un-rushed, careful driving should help save you from accidents over a lifetime of driving. Maximize Safety Features Apart from always buckling up and having suitable airbags, many other extremely effective safety features are available in modern vehicles. These include early collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, antilock brakes, blind spot cameras, stability control, tire pressure monitors, park assist features, and more. Some of these features come automatically with your car upon purchase. Others are optional. It's always best to optimize your safety using as many safety features as possible. Ask at your local dealership about options for your make and model. We hope these tips help you stay safe out on the roads of Silver Spring. Visit our DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring blog today for more helpful blogs! Discover new cars, local favorites, and automotive tips and tricks!
There are plenty of challenges drivers in Silver Spring, MD face on the road, but there are few that cause quite as much stress and anxiety as parallel parking does. The good news is that this maneuver doesn't need to be a hassle; follow these tips to take the stress out of your parking experience. Find the Right Spot Parking becomes a lot easier when you choose the right parking space. You'll want ample room to fit your vehicle, with a little extra wiggle room if possible, especially while you're still getting used to this maneuver. You should also make sure there are no restrictions on parking in the space you choose. more Use Your Turn Signals One often-overlooked step in parking on the side of the road is showing other drivers your intent by using your turn signals. Signal towards the side of the road you're parking on before you begin parking. This will let other drivers know what you're doing so that they can react accordingly. Check Your Surroundings Just like any other driving maneuver, situational awareness is critical when you're parking. Make sure your rear-view and side mirrors are properly positioned to give you a good view of the area behind your vehicle. You'll need them to watch for oncoming traffic as well as judge the distance between your vehicle and the vehicles you're parking near. Start from the Correct Position Beginning from the right position will set you up for successful parking. Adjust your vehicle so that your steering wheel is lined up with the car in front’s steering wheel. This will allow you a clear view of the space behind you and give you a good starting position to guide your vehicle into the space from. Cut in Towards the Curb Once you've positioned yourself correctly, start reversing into the spot. When the middle of your vehicle lines up with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of your parking space, cut the wheel sharply towards the curb. Straighten the wheel out once you're in towards the curb to align your vehicle properly. Straighten Up and Adjust Now that you're in the parking space, you'll want to put the finishing touches on your work. Start by straightening your wheels so that you can be as level with the side of the road as possible. You should also adjust your position relative to the cars in front and behind you, leaving some space if possible, to make it easy for everyone to get out of their space. We hope these tips help you the next time you're parallel parking! We suggest checking out the 2022 Toyota Highlander if you're interested in buying a car with the latest technology to provide the best driving experience possible.
It is one of the most exciting feelings in life when you have your new driver's license. After years of being only a passenger, you're now a driver. It's a reason to feel proud of yourself. It's also a moment to realize the responsibility of now being a driver. We'd like to give all new drivers tips on enjoying their time behind the wheel and keeping themselves safe. Obey the Rules All the rules you studied when you were preparing for your driver’s test are going to be even more important. Once you're a driver, you're legally responsible for your conduct on the road at all times. Remembering and applying the information you learned will become second nature very quickly through practice. By following the rules at all times, you can keep yourself safe and relaxed. Obeying the rules will also protect you against traffic tickets. more Maintain Your Car Looking after your car is one of the most important driving tips. Keep your car well maintained and in good working order. This will not only give you a sense of pride, but it will help keep you safe too. Neglecting maintenance can quickly lead to problems. For example, brakes that aren’t maintained can fail. Always remember to check your tires, gas, and other fluid levels. You can drive with confidence when you know your car is working perfectly. Wear Your Seatbelt Always wear your seatbelt. When you get behind the wheel, make it a priority to buckle up before you start the engine. If you do this, it'll become second nature. A seatbelt can keep you safe, by preventing you from being thrown from your seat if you're involved in an accident. It's also a primary offense in 34 US states to drive without a seat belt and a secondary offense in 15 other states. Make Yourself Comfortable Before you start the engine, make sure you're comfortable. Adjust your seat, check and adjust your mirrors, and make other adjustments. When your car is moving, you don't want to be distracted by having to shift a mirror. While adjusting your mirrors, ensure you have no blind spots behind you. If you have clear vision in all directions, your driving will be easier and safer. Don't Get Distracted When you're driving, you need to be able to concentrate fully on what you're doing. If you're changing the radio station, adjusting mirrors, or looking at a text on your cellphone, you could be in danger. Sometimes an accident can happen in a split second. If you're paying attention, you'll be able to safely avoid it. Don't Speed Regardless of the temptation to get somewhere faster, never, ever speed. The faster you're traveling, the longer it takes to stop. That extra second's delay in slowing down can result in an accident. Congratulations on becoming a new driver! DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring takes pride in having everything regarding your automotive needs. So if you wish to take a look at our new car deals to shop for your first vehicle or if you'd like to learn more tips and tricks from us, we have you covered.
